Can tourism value heritage?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the Portuguese REVIVE project, which aims to promote the re-qualification and tourism utilization of a set of national properties with architectural, heritage, historical and cultural value. The purpose is to convert them into economic assets thereby generating employment and wealth throughout the territory.

Design/methodology/approach

The main decisions related to the REVIVE program are analyzed and related to the sector’s present performance.

Findings

The heritage need for recovery, as well as its return to public enjoyment through a new form of tourist use, was the motto for the construction of the REVIVE Program. Of the 33 properties identified and integrated in the REVIVE program, 17 are located in the countryside. Out of the total,16 properties have already been put to tender, highlighting that 7 contracts have been signed with the contest winners, in an estimated investment of over €50m.

Originality/value

This paper shows how the Portuguese Tourism Strategy 2027 identifies as differentiating assets the history, the culture and the identity of territories and local communities. Among other lines of action, it also highlights the valorization of communities and territories, thereby boosting the economy.

Citation

Araújo, L. (2019), "Can tourism value heritage?", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 11 No. 6, pp. 692-695. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-09-2019-0058